PSSR Regulations: Pressure Systems

The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR) are UK regulations designed to ensure that pressure systems are operated safely and do not present a risk of serious injury from failure, explosion, or release of stored energy. They apply to employers, the self-employed, and anyone who has control over pressure systems used at work.

PSSR covers pressure systems containing relevant fluids, such as compressed air, steam, gases, and certain liquids, typically found in air compressors, pressure vessels, boilers, autoclaves, and associated pipework and safety devices. The regulations require that systems are designed, installed, operated, and maintained safely throughout their working life.

A key requirement of PSSR is the need for a Written Scheme of Examination (WSE), prepared or certified by a competent person, before the system is used. The scheme defines which parts of the system must be examined, the examination methods, and the frequency. Thorough examinations must then be carried out in accordance with this scheme, and any defects that could give rise to danger must be reported and rectified.

What is PSSR?

PSSR is part of UK legislation which falls under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. PSSR2000 was introduced to make the workplace a safe space for employees who own, or use pressure system equipment.

What Does PSSR Stand For?

PSSR stand for Pressure System Safety Regulations.

When Does PSSR Apply?

The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR 2000) apply whenever a pressure system is used at work and contains a relevant fluid that could create a risk of danger if the system were to fail. The regulations place legal duties on employers, the self-employed, and anyone in control of pressure systems.

PSSR applies to pressure systems that contain compressed air, steam, gases, and certain liquids under pressure, where the stored energy could cause serious injury. Typical examples include air compressors and receivers, boilers, steam systems, autoclaves, pressure vessels, and associated pipework, valves, and safety devices.

The regulations apply across all industries and workplaces, such as manufacturing, engineering, food production, healthcare, laboratories, energy facilities, and construction sites. PSSR covers owned, leased, or hired pressure systems, provided they are used as part of a work activity.

PSSR does not apply to some low-risk systems, such as pressure systems operating below specified pressure and volume thresholds, certain domestic systems, or where the risk from stored energy is negligible. However, even where PSSR does not apply, general duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and PUWER 98 may still be relevant.

Responsibilities Under PSSR

Under the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR), responsibility is shared between several duty holders, each with specific legal obligations to ensure pressure systems are safe, compliant, and properly managed.

The employer has the primary responsibility where pressure systems are used at work. Employers must ensure that pressure systems are designed, installed, operated, and maintained safely. They are responsible for ensuring a Written Scheme of Examination (WSE) is in place before the system is used, that thorough examinations are carried out by a competent person at the specified intervals, and that any defects identified are repaired before the system is returned to service.

The self-employed have the same responsibilities as employers when they own, supply, or use pressure systems as part of their work. They must ensure systems are safe, examined in accordance with a WSE, and properly maintained to prevent danger.

A person in control of the pressure system (such as a facilities manager, plant manager, or equipment owner) also holds responsibility under PSSR. This includes ensuring the system is not operated outside its safe limits, that operating instructions are followed, and that safety devices such as pressure relief valves are functional and not tampered with.

The competent person (often an independent engineer surveyor) has responsibility for drawing up or certifying the Written Scheme of Examination and carrying out thorough examinations. They must assess the condition and integrity of pressure-containing parts, identify defects, and produce accurate written reports. If a defect is found that could give rise to danger, they have a legal duty to notify the duty holder immediately.

Finally, employees and operators also have responsibilities. They must operate pressure systems in accordance with training and instructions, carry out routine checks where required, and report faults or unsafe conditions. While employers hold the main legal responsibility, safe pressure system management depends on all parties fulfilling their duties.

In summary, PSSR places shared responsibility across employers, those in control, competent examiners, and operators to prevent dangerous pressure system failures and protect people and property.

Legal Consequences Of Failing To Remain Compliant Under PSSR

Failing to remain compliant with the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR) carries serious legal, financial, and safety consequences. PSSR is enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or local authorities, and breaches are treated as high-risk offences because pressure system failures can result in catastrophic explosions or releases of energy.

From a legal perspective, enforcement authorities may issue Improvement Notices requiring specific failures—such as the absence of a Written Scheme of Examination or overdue inspections—to be corrected within a set timeframe. Where there is an immediate risk of danger, Prohibition Notices can be served, stopping the use of the pressure system until it is made safe. This can lead to operational shutdowns, production losses, and contractual breaches.

If an incident occurs and non-compliance with PSSR is identified, organisations may face criminal prosecution under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Courts can impose unlimited fines, and in serious cases senior managers or directors may be personally prosecuted if negligence or consent to unsafe practices is proven. Where a fatality occurs, charges under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 may also apply.

There are also significant civil and insurance implications. Injured employees or third parties may bring compensation claims, and insurers may reduce, reject, or invalidate claims if statutory examinations were missed, defects were ignored, or a Written Scheme of Examination was not in place. Poor documentation and inspection records can severely undermine an organisation’s legal defence.

Beyond legal penalties, PSSR non-compliance can cause reputational damage, loss of client confidence, and exclusion from contracts that require proof of statutory compliance. In summary, failing to comply with PSSR exposes organisations to enforcement action, prosecution, financial loss, and potentially life-threatening incidents—making compliance essential for both legal protection and workplace safety.

Contact Us

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Name *

First

Last

Business Name *

Site Postcode *

Business Enquiry Name

Telephone Number *

Email *

My Enquiry Is Regarding *--- Select Choice ---LOLER InspectionPSSR InspectionPUWER InspectionGeneral Enquiry

Enquiry Information *

Equipment query is in relation to, e.g - Forklift Truck, Storage Racking, Air Compressor etc

Submit